Bengals select offensive lineman in USA Today’s latest mock draft

North Dakota’s Grey Zabel is predicted to go to Cincinnati with the 17th overall pick.

A lot of Cincinnati Bengals fans might’ve felt disappointed upon hearing that the team likely won’t be pursuing another guard in free agency.

But the latest mock draft from USA Today could make them feel a little better about the protection for Joe Burrow.

Nate Davis predicts that the Bengals will take North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel 17th overall. While he stands 6’ 6”, Zabel played four of five spots on the line, meaning he could slide in at guard.

Here’s what Davis wrote:

It would certainly make sense for them to invest in the defense given it ranked 25th overall in 2024, consistently undermined the offense and may not have DE Trey Hendrickson back. But doesn’t it make more sense to better safeguard QB Joe Burrow, who’s suffered nearly three sacks per game over the course of his NFL career? Zabel’s strong Senior Bowl showing should be further proof he’ll have little trouble becoming the latest member of the Bison to jump to the NFL. Better, he can play any position on the line and plug wherever it’s leakiest.

That would be great, but it still feels like the front office should’ve picked up a starting guard in free agency.

Why did they fail to do that? In part because of how they structured the mega deals for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. A to Z Sports’ John Sheeran explains in the video below.

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